Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY OF MONTEREY Tuesday, April 21, 2026 4:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST. MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Councilmembers Present: Barber (left at 9:36 p.m.), Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson Absent: None City Staff City Manager, City Attorney, Assistant City Manager, Community Present: Development Director, Finance Director, Fire Chief, Human Resources Director, Library & Museums Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Police Chief, Public Works Director, City Clerk, Deputy City Attorney, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, Senior Administrative Analyst (Police), Senior Engineer, Recreation Manager, Assistant City Attorney, Planning Manager, Park Operations Manager, Management Analyst (City Manager's Office), Police Lieutenant, Division Chief, Assistant Urban Forester Call to Order Mayor Williamson called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. City Clerk Klein called the roll with the Council present as indicated above. AFTERNOON SESSION Presentations (Afternoon) 1. Recognition of Defense Language Institute Quarterly Joint Service Awards Second Quarter FY26 (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Recognized awardees The Council recognized Staff Sergeant Gloria Campbell, Lance Corporal Zarchary Gonzalez, and Staff Sergeant Erubey Martinez, all from the U.S. Marine Corps. Staff Sergeant Campbell and Staff Sergeant Martinez made brief remarks. Public comment was received from Nina Beety, who denounced the actions of the U.S. military. 2. Receive Update from Monterey One Water (M1W) on Capital Projects, Rate Study and Strategic Priorities (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received update Paul Sciuto of Monterey One Water (M1W) gave the presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Mayor Williamson limited the time for public comment to two minutes per person. Public comment was received from: Esther Malkin and Lori Mazzuca, who expressed concern about the lack of affordability of the proposed rate increases; Tom Reeves, who asked questions about water availability in local lakes; and Lorna Moffat, who suggested that education could prevent the release of toxic materials into sewage.  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 On question from the Council, Mr. Sciuto said that there was no backup funding plan if the upcoming protest hearing resulted in a majority protest. General Public Comments Based on the number of people interested in speaking, Mayor Williamson limited the time for public comment to two minutes per person. Public comment on non-agendized matters was received from: Dan Turner, Zoe Carter, Megan Range of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Daniel Armendariz, Lorna Moffat, and Esther Malkin. Consent Agenda On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the Consent Agenda, except Items 6 and 7: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Consent: Approval of Minutes 3. April 7, 2026 Regular Meeting (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved Consent: Resolutions 4. Approve Calle Principal Street Maintenance District 00-1 Engineer's Report; Adopt a Resolution of Intention to Levy Assessment; and Set Time for Public Hearing (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-054 C.S. 5. Approve Alvarado Street Maintenance District 85-1 Engineer's Report; Adopt a Resolution of Intention to Levy Assessment; and Set Time for Public Hearing (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-055 C.S. 6. Authorize the Police Chief to Execute Memorandums of Understanding with the Cities of Del Rey Oaks, Sand City, and Pacific Grove for California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System Services (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Pulled from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 26-056 C.S. Mayor Williamson left the Chamber from 5:06 p.m. to 5:0 p.m. Police Chief Hober gave a brief verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from Lorna Moffat, who made an unrelated remark regarding the Police and Fire Chiefs' salaries. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-056 C.S.: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 2  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 7. Authorize Agreement to Transfer $7,269,813 Held in Escrow for the Benefit of the City of Monterey and the City of Del Rey Oaks for the South Boundary Road Project Into an Interest Bearing Escrow Account (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Pulled from Consent; Adopted Resolution No. 26-057 C.S. Finance Director King and Public Works Director Renny gave a brief verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from Tom Reeves, who asked whether there was an arbitrage clause included in the agreement. On question from the Council, City Attorney Davi said that the Council could approve the item meanwhile and she would look at the agreement to review for any arbitrage clause. The Council made brief remarks explaining the matter to the public, noting that the money was designated specifically for the South Boundary Road Project only. It was requested that City staff do everything possible not to lose the funding by the deadline. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-057 C.S.: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) Consent: Other 8. Approve Deaccession of 22 Objects and Artwork from City Museums Collection (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved End of Consent Agenda Afternoon Session Items Public Appearance (Afternoon) 9. Approve Recommendation for Lower Presidio Historic Park Lease Operations (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved the staff recommendation to continue the lease for the Lower Presidio Historic Park until a long-term solution is identified Library & Museums Director Edwards gave a verbal presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions with additional input provided by Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira. Public comment was received from Lorna Moffat, who expressed concern that trees could be cut down in the park. The Council stated that there was an opportunity for volunteers to help with park maintenance. 3  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 On a motion by Councilmember Rasch, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the staff recommendation to continue the for the Lower Presidio Historic Park until a long-term solution is identified: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 10. Adopt and Approve Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program ***NCIP*** (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061; and Article 19, Sections 15301, 15306, and Classes 1, and 6) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-058 C.S., with separate votes as indicated in the vote blocks below Senior Engineer Paulding gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Councilmember Garcia left the Chamber from 5:45 p.m. to 5:47 p.m. Based on the number of people interested in speaking, Mayor Williamson limited the time for public comment to two minutes per person. Public comment was received from: Diane diLorimier and Harish Joshi of the Board of Library Trustees, Yvonne Ricketts, Valerie Vasquez and Naoki Aquil of the Library Teen Advisory Board, and Jim Thomson, who all urged the Council to support Monterey Public Library through approving project DT-07 (Monterey Public Library ADA Compliance and Facility Renovations); Ross Pounds of the Monterey Firefighters Association, who asked the Council to approve the proposed NCIP projects including MN-16 (Monterey Fire Station 13 – Additional Funding for Remodel); Kris Richardson of the Monterey Police Association, who spoke in support of project MN-18 (Police Department – Interim Interior Improvements); Lee Whitney of the NCIP Committee, who spoke in support of project MN-15 (Citywide Fuel Reduction); Hans Jannasch and Chinyere Ogbonna of the NCIP Committee, and Esther Malkin, who all asked the Council to approve the list of recommended projects as-is; Shelly Mow Schmidt of the NCIP Committee, who spoke in support of project COK-06 (Casanova Oak Knoll Park - Replace Gates and Improve Restroom Lights) and emphasized that the committee had worked to prioritize need over want in all of its recommendations; and Dennis Duke of the NCIP Committee, who noted that all of the proposed projects were intended to benefit the City's public safety and infrastructure. During public comments, Mayor Williamson left the Chamber from 5:59 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Councilmember Smith left the Chamber from 6:05 p.m. to 6:07 p.m. The Council took up the process of voting on the Council's identified abstention projects, led by City Attorney Davi. The Council adopted Resolution No. 26-058 C.S. through the following votes. Mayor Williamson left the Chamber. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the portion of Project MN-05 (Replace or Repair Speed Signs throughout City) specifically for the intersection of West Franklin at Clay Street: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) RECUSED: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Williamson Mayor Williamson returned to the Chamber and Councilmember Barber left the Chamber. 4  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Rasch, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the portion of Project MN-05 (Replace or Repair Speed Signs throughout City) specifically for the intersection of Prescott at Filmore Street eastbound and westbound: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) RECUSED: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber Councilmember Barber returned to the Chamber and Councilmember Garcia left the Chamber. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the portion of Project MN-05 (Replace or Repair Speed Signs throughout City) specifically for 804 and 825 Casanova Avenue, and Project COK-06 (Casanova Oak Knoll Park - Replace Gates and Improve Restroom Lights): AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) RECUSED: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia Councilmember Garcia returned to the Chamber. On a motion by Councilmember Barber, seconded by Councilmember Smith, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved the remainder of Project MN-05 (Replace or Repair Speed Signs throughout City): AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) A final motion was introduced by Councilmember Smith, and seconded by Councilmember Rasch, to approve the remainder of the projects recommended by the NCIP Committee. The Council thanked City staff and the NCIP Committee for their hard work, collaborative approach, and balanced project recommendations, and thanked everyone who had proposed projects. It was noted that due to the economic challenges faced by the City, the Committee's process had taken more work and time than in previous NCIP cycles and it was stressed that this was noticed and appreciated. Councilmember Barber left the Chamber from 6:19 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. It was stressed that there was a need to prioritize essential City services, and concern was expressed about the risk of having to cut City programs and staffing if funding was delayed until the next fiscal year. It was suggested that the Council could consider approving the project list with a reallocation of $3.5 million now, and freezing the unfunded projects for future funding, thereby avoiding the need to revisit the process in the following program year. It was stated that if the Council committed funds now, and later needed to appropriate the funds back from the program, there would be backlash from the public, and it was stressed that support for approving the program for this year was conditioned on needing to have a more fluid conversation with the community about how to deal with the deficit. Regarding public safety facility, concern was expressed about continual smaller fixes for the Police and Fire facilities, and it was stressed that the City needed to look at finding a way to fund a more proactive and comprehensive improvement of its public safety facility and infrastructure. On question from the Council, Public Works Director Renny provided context on timing for the North Fremont undergrounding process. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) 5  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 Adjourn to Closed Session Public comment on the closed session was solicited but not received. The Council adjourned to closed session at 6:25 p.m. Closed Session (Afternoon) 11. Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1): 1. Deseree Albert v. City of Monterey (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 25CV006534) 2. Monique Arge v. City of Monterey (United States District Court, Northern District of California Case No. 5:25-CV-09710 NC 3. Emilio Montero v. City of Monterey (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 26CV001211) 4. City of Monterey v. Leslie J. Flores, Trustee (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 24CV000750) 5. Shai and Mira Nissim v. City of Monterey (Monterey County Superior Court Case Nos. 25CV004945 and 25CV004949) 6. Stronghold Engineering, Inc. v. City of Monterey (Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 18CV329015) 7. Save Tarpy Flats v. City of Monterey (Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 24 CV005125) 8. Cynthia Wills v. City of Monterey (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Case No. 25-720) 9. Richard and Mildred Zilinskas v. City of Monterey (United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 5:25-CV-07506) (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: No reportable action taken The Council recessed at 7:05 p.m. and reconvened at 7:10 p.m. EVENING SESSION AGENDA Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Garcia led the Pledge. General Public Comments, Continued To correspond with the limit set for speakers in the afternoon, Mayor Williamson limited the time for public comment to two minutes per person. Continued public comment on non-agendized matters was received from: Anthony Gonzales of Off the Charts Monterey, and Nina Beety. Announcements from Closed Session City Attorney Davi reported out from the closed session as indicated in the action recorded for closed session item 11, above. 6  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 Public Appearance (Evening) 12. Authorize Staff to Draft Proposed Changes to Chapter 37 of Monterey City Code "Preservation of Trees and Shrubs" Ordinance and Authorize Paying for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved staff recommendations, but directed staff to hold off on any action until/unless the budget for environmental review is approved through the FY 2026/27 budget process Parks and Recreation Director Banks, Park Operations Manager Norton, Assistant City Attorney Krattli, Planning Manager Hill, and Division Chief Cooper gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Councilmember Smith left the Chamber from 8:21 p.m. to 8:22 p.m. Public comment was received from: an unidentified man, who suggested partnering with educational institutions; Laura Nagel, who expressed concern about the status of the forest and about the City making it easier to remove trees; Pat Venza of the Monterey Vista Neighborhood Association, who said the City should have a strategic vision and plan for the urban forest and for addressing fire hazard; Alexander Schenck, in opposition to any but the most minor changes to the tree ordinance; Vicky Williams, in favor of taking out trees that would otherwise be damaged in a storm; Glenn Robinson of Shepherds Knoll Homeowners Association, who urged Council to reject same-species replacement and instead focus on native trees that could better survive climate change; Lorna Moffat, who spoke in defense of eucalyptus trees, stating that they grow fast and endure heat; John Schott, in favor of the ordinance, who expressed concern about tree maintenance in the vicinity of power lines; Lori Mazzuca, who suggested that an anonymous reporting program could help identify concerning trees; Nina Beety, who asserted that Monterey's forest ecosystem provided natural fire resistance, and advocated for stronger tree protections; and Tom Reeves, who expressed concern that state regulations and aggressive tree trimming by neighbors were threatening the health of the urban forest. On question from the Council, Planning Manager Hill provided context on environmental review requirements, and Park Operations Manager Norton provided context on current tree removal justifications. Division Chief Cooper confirmed that the City applies for grants whenever possible. Councilmember Barber left the Chamber from 9:16 p.m. to 9:18 p.m. The Council reviewed current City Code provisions regarding trees; it was suggested that perhaps the word “dangerous” could be defined and used more broadly, and it was noted that the words “conditions may be imposed on the removal” in the City Code could imply some flexibility. The Council discussed the four components of the proposed ordinance provisions as identified by City staff. Regarding Component 1 (Who and What Is Regulated: Protected Tree Definition and Permit Structure), support was expressed for the provisions regarding tree size, species type, and proposed streamlined approval for the removal of dead trees or trees within five feet of a structure. It was affirmed that changing requirements from being parcel type-based to being plant species- based would be more equitable. Regarding Component 2 (Replacement Requirements, Penalties, and Enforcement), more detail was requested regarding tracking and enforcement on the subjects of tree replacement timing and the five-year survival requirement, and regarding how to address property ownership changes in conjunction with tree-related requirements and enforcement. Support was expressed for the proposed strengthening of penalties and enforcement. Regarding Component 3 (Fire Safety), support was expressed. It was stated that undesirable non-native species should not be replaced by other non-native species. Regarding Component 4 (Governance, Authority, and Process Changes), support was expressed. It was stated that it 7  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 would be helpful to ensure that the arborists required to provide opinions were neutral parties and to incorporate this into the City’s permit process and fee. It was stated that the City would benefit from moving forward with a forest management plan and instituting an ongoing educational program. It was suggested to consider storm resilience as another factor for the ordinance, citing concerns about the state of the power grid. There was discussion regarding the cost of conducting an Environmental Impact Review (EIR) process, and some consideration of whether to try to move forward at this time with only Component 4 which would not require an EIR. On the other hand, support for all four components was expressed and it was urged to move forward with the ordinance, citing the depth of work conducted by City staff and the broad community engagement and participation by residents. It was noted that staff was mindful of the budget dilemma and alert to all funding opportunities. On a motion by Mayor Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Barber, and carried by the following vote, the City Council approved staff recommendations, but directed staff to hold off on any action until/unless the budget for environmental review is approved through the FY 2026/27 budget process: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber, Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) The Council recessed at 9:38 p.m. and reconvened at 9:47 p.m. with Councilmember Barber absent. 13. Provide Direction on Polling Topics for Potential Ballot Measures for the November 2026 Election (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Directed staff to conduct polling to test measures for Measure P&S renewal and a parking tax, and ask conceptual questions on a vacancy tax (4-0-1, Councilmember Barber absent) City Manager Hall, Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira, and Lucia Del Puppo of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) Consulting gave the staff presentation and answered Councilmembers' questions. Public comment was received from: Kevin Dayton, who recommended caution, stating that the public was grumbling about the City not cutting expenses sufficiently in the budget crisis; Rick Aldinger of the Measure P & S Oversight Committee, who said that that a renewal for Measures P & S should remain identical including the 9-year sunset; Carol Chorbajian of the Measure P & S Oversight Committee, who said that there is still ongoing work to be done to improve the City's streets and that residents have been happy with the results of Measures P & S. The Council discussed the scope and timing of the proposed polling. Regarding timing, interest was expressed in delaying polling until after the June election for fear of affecting the vote on the Measure D sales tax measure, but concerns were expressed about the feasibility for staff to prepare all ballot materials in time for the August deadline. Regarding a potential renewal of Measure P & S (1% streets, sidewalks, and storm drains special tax), support was expressed for polling for an extension of the measure as-is, stating that the voter support needed would require a sunset. On the other hand, interest was expressed in the polling for the measure both with and without the sunset clause. It was requested to know more about how a dig once policy requiring undergrounding of conduit during road work would affect the City's measure. Regarding polling for a streaming tax, some interest was expressed in learning more about how such a tax would apply 8  City Council Minutes April 21, 2026 to commercial establishments, and the possibility of taxing only commercial entities. Regarding polling for a parking tax, support was expressed for testing percentages between 5% and 8%, and whether the tax should apply to private lots only or private and public lots. Regarding additional or conceptual questions that could be added after the main polling questions, interest was expressed in asking voters about a potential vacancy tax. It was suggested that the voters could be asked about bonding for a public safety facility, noting that starting the conversation could begin to warm up the community on the subject. A motion was introduced by Mayor Williamson, and seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to direct staff to conduct polling to test measures for Measure & S renewal (including testing sunset or no sunset) and a parking tax (including private lots only or private and public lots), and to ask conceptual questions about a vacancy tax and a public safety facility. Councilmember Rasch introduced a friendly amendment to remove the vacancy tax, but the mover did not accept the amendment. The Council discussed the potential of a vacancy tax. It was stated that pending vacancy tax litigation in San Francisco would not need to preclude the Council from putting it on the ballot. The mover amended his motion to remove the conceptual polling about a public safety facility, and the seconder approved. The amended motion passed by the following vote: AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Garcia, Rasch, Smith, Williamson NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: (None) ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Barber Requests from Councilmembers to Agendize New Matters 14. Mayor Williamson’s Request to Agendize a Discussion Regarding Review of the Council Governance Policy: Agendizing Process and Meeting Efficiency (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378, and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Not heard Council Comments - Not heard. City Manager Reports - Not heard. Adjournment The Council briefly discussed but opted not to extend the meeting time to take up the remaining items, and instead adjourned at 10:39 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Clementine Bonner Klein Tyller Williamson City Clerk Mayor 9